For decades, Nigeria’s Apex Court had been the envy of most judiciaries in the Commonwealth and the world. It is on record that, the Court had seconded some of its Justices to head the judiciaries of some African courts and the Caribbean. Today, the Supreme Court has continued to dispense justice as best as it can, despite enormous challenges. The current Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, has taken bold strides to ensure that the court is revolutionised, to meet up with present realities of the digital age. In pursuance of this vision, she has matched words with actions, by embarking on an aggressive transformation and reforms in the Supreme Court. She instituted a National Case Management System (NCMS) and the Supreme Court, (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Record of Appeal and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026 (effective from 1 July 2026). What exactly are these reforms? How will they help case management, reduce delays and improve the system in the Registry? Former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN sheds light on these bold reforms, and explains the positive impact they will have in justice administration
The Digital Supreme Court: A Defining Moment in Nigeria’s Judicial Reform Journey
For decades, Nigeria’s Apex Court had been the envy of most judiciaries in the Commonwealth and the world. It is on record that, the Court had seconded some of its Justices to head the judiciaries of some African courts and the Caribbean. Today, the Supreme Court has continued to dispense justice as best as it can, despite enormous challenges. The current Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, has taken bold strides to ensure that the court is revolutionised, to meet up with present realities of the digital age. In pursuance of this vision, she has matched words with actions, by embarking on an aggressive transformation and reforms in the Supreme Court. She instituted a National Case Management System (NCMS) and the Supreme Court, (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Record of Appeal and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026 (effective from 1 July 2026). What exactly are these reforms? How will they help case management, reduce delays and improve the system in the Registry? Former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN sheds light on these bold reforms, and explains the positive impact they will have in justice administration
